PM Plenkovic: Patriotism and courage of defenders led Croatia to independence

On the occasion of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of War Veterans, observed on August 5, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Friday extended a message of congratulations underscoring soldiers' patriotism, enthusiasm and courage as well as the visionary policy of the first Croatian President Franjo Tudjman that enabled Croatia to gain independence and international recognition.

"It is with pride that we remember the magnificent military and police Operation Storm that liberated the largest portion of the formerly occupied Croatian territory. Operation Storm marked the victory in the Homeland War and the final defeat of the policy pursued by the Greater Serbian regime of Slobodan Milosevic. This also created preconditions for a change in the strategic balance of forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina and paved the way for the Dayton-Paris Peace Accords," Plenkovic said in his message.

He underscored that thanks to the patriotism, enthusiasm and courage of the defenders led by the visionary policy of President Franjo Tudjman, Croatia gained independence and international recognition and became a strong factor of peace and stability in this part of Europe and world.

Croatia has built its victorious army from unarmed people and today it is "a guarantee of the security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and survival of the Croatian state and nation."

In the past 22 years since Operation Storm, a period marked by political, security, economic and social challenges, Croatia has achieved its key national objectives, including the building of democratic institutions and admission to the European Union and NATO, the PM said.

He says that his cabinet manages the country in a responsible manner and protects national interests alongside developing a prosperous economy.

Paying tribute to the sacrifice of the fallen defenders "obliges all of us to continue, full of optimism and in unity, to enhance the quality of life of the citizens through employment and job creation, economic growth and development as well as through the enhancement of a tolerant and inclusive society."

Text: Hina

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